Transport Operations Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 20th May 2026 

Full time Fixed Term Contract start July 2026 until November 2027  Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia 

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. More than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Rugby’s spirit, Australia’s culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking a Transport Operations Manager to join our team in the Sydney CBD. Reporting to the Head of Transport, this role oversees transport planning and operations across all match and non‑match venues, including stadiums, team bases, and other operational sites. Working closely with teams across Rugby World Cup Australia and World Rugby Events & Media, as well as host cities, transport authorities, venue operators, and service providers, the role ensures transport plans are practical, well-coordinated, and delivered safely and efficiently.

During tournament time, the Transport Operations Manager will lead a venue transport team and take a hands‑on role in ensuring consistent, high quality transport operations across all host cities. Passion for sport, strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast paced, high-profile environment are key to success in this fixed‑term role through November 2027.

Lead venue‑based transport operations for Rugby World Cup 2027

• Responsible for planning and delivering transport operations across all match and non‑match venues, including stadiums, team bases, and operational sites.
• Ensure transport arrangements are safe, efficient, and consistently delivered across all host cities.

Develop, implement, and oversee venue transport plans

• Lead the development of Host City Transport Plans and Venue Transport Operational Plans (VTOPs), contributing to Local Area Transport Management Plans.
• Support tournament‑wide transport concepts and ensure venue readiness through coordinated planning, testing, and operational reviews.
• Identify and manage transport risks, gaps, and dependencies to support successful tournament delivery.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Build and manage strong relationships with host cities, transport authorities, venue operators, and service providers.
• Work closely with City Operations teams and internal departments to deliver integrated transport outcomes.
• Contribute to Host City Transport Working Groups and attend operational planning meetings as required.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Support the recruitment, leadership, and coordination of the venue transport team during tournament time.
• Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to operational staff to ensure consistent standards across venues.
• Work collaboratively with the wider transport function, including fleet, bus, and arrivals/departures teams.

Operational Governance, Budgets & Readiness

• Work with the Head of Transport to manage expenditure and ensure delivery remains within approved budgets.
• Establish and apply policies and guidelines for venue transport requirements across all stakeholders.
• Ensure all deliverables are completed in line with the tournament project plan, including documentation, knowledge transfer, and post‑event debriefs.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ proven experience delivering transport operations for major events- mandatory
• Experience within Australia, with demonstrated understanding of local transport authorities, operating environments, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage transport operations across multiple venues, particularly stadiums, with experience across hotels, training venues, or other operational sites highly regarded.
• Sound technical knowledge of transport and traffic operations, including the development of operating and traffic management plans covering access, parking, vehicle movements, and venue precincts.
• Proven capability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and competing deadlines, with a track record of delivering against fixed timelines in complex, fast‑paced environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience working collaboratively with local councils, transport authorities, venue operators, and service providers.
• Highly organised and detail‑driven with strong leadership and interpersonal skills, able to operate confidently within cross‑functional teams and lead operational staff during tournament delivery.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, and to adjust working patterns in line with business needs, particularly during tournament time to support operational delivery.

• Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
• Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
• Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park, just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall, surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, lunch and learn with a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
• Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
• Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
• Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!

Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby’s growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process with our team in our Sydney.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable. 

Rugby World Cup Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.